About The Awards

 Americana Music Festival 2012
September 12th - September 15th
Nashville, TN 

“The shining star of Nashville and music everywhere.”– Emmylou Harris

Our marquis event, the Americana Honors & Awards Show returns to the historically cool Ryman Auditorium on September 12, 2012. It will once again be hosted by the iconic Jim Lauderdale, while the All Star Band will be led by the phenomenal Buddy Miller.

Each year the Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community. Six member-voted awards and several Lifetime Achievement Awards are handed out while over 2000 artists, music-loving fans and entertainment industry executives look on.

The Honors & Awards have featured many amazing moments over the years. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash’s last live performance was on the Americana stage.  Artists such as The Carolina Chocolate Drops. Robert Plant & His Band of Joy, Steve Earle & Allison Moorer, Rosanne Cash and John Fogerty have brought our audience’s to their feet.

Click here to find a history of the Americana Honors & Awards.

FAQ: NOMINATIONS PROCESS

NOMINATIONS PROCESS FOR BEST OF AMERICANA 2011-2012

Below are some important dates and information on the Awards nomination and election process.

The eligibility period for the Americana Music Association’s “Of The Year” categories runs from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. 

You MUST be a member of the Americana Music Association in good standing to participate in the Nomination and Election process.   If you are not a member, artists may join at the rate of $35 per year.  If you are an industry professional the rate is $75 per year.  Click here to join if you are not a member already.

The process for nominations will formally begin on Monday March 26^th and will go through Friday April 6^th.  At that time, all members will be sent a “Call for Nominees” email and the formal election process will be announced later in April.  The winners will not be announced until the Americana Honors & Awards presentation at the Ryman Auditorium in September 2012. 

Below is the Criteria for each of the following categories

1. Album of the Year – Americana albums released during the eligibility period.

2. Song of the Year - Americana songs released from Albums released during the eligibility period.

3. Artist of the Year – An Artist who has had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period.

4. Emerging Artist of the Year – Solo artist, duo, or group having an exemplary year and first blush of national public awareness through overall recognition and activity, whether through album, song, radio airplay, sales, publicity, touring, or other criteria  during eligibility period who has not previously been nominated in any category. 

5. Duo/Group of the Year - Duo/Group - have had an exemplary year based on overall recognition and activity, whether through album, song, radio airplay, publicity, touring, or other criteria within the eligibility period.

6. Instrumentalist of the Year :  An award given to a collaborative musician having an exemplary year within the eligibility period based on overall recognition and activity, whether through work on an album, song, touring, or other criteria.

AGAIN, ONLY ACTIVE AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION MEMBERS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE NOMINATION PROCESS.

FAQ: AWARD SHOW TICKETS:

How do I purchase an Award Show ticket?

At this time, Award Show tickets are available to conference registrants only. Tickets for the general public will go on sale via the Ryman Auditorium and Ticketmaster later in the year.

What do I wear?

This is not a black tie event, and as most people are attending evening showcases after the Award Show, we recommend you dress comfortably for an evening out on the town. Casual chic always works! 

Where do I pick up my Award Show ticket(s)?

Your Award Show tickets will be included with your conference credentials and will be available for pick up at the Americana registration desk during designated times, as indicated on your confirmation letter or at the Ryman box office will call, day of show.

Award Show tickets will not be mailed to you.

Are Award Show tickets refundable?

No.

Can I pick my seat for the Award Show?

All seats are assigned at the discretion of the Americana Music Association. Seating is done on a first come first served basis, with priority seating going to sponsors, Award Show VIPS and conference attendees. You may however request main floor or balcony seating.

Can I request seating with friends?

Yes. We ask you to make your requests in a timely fashion. There will be no last minute seating changes.

What happens if I lose my Award Show ticket?

In the case of a lost ticket, you will have to purchase another.

Can I use my ticket stub to go to the evening showcases?

No. You will need a laminate badge or an evening showcase wristband.

Will I receive confirmation indicating that my purchase was completed?

Yes. We ask you to bring the letter when you pick up your tickets.

Is there a shuttle bus?

Yes. The buses will be located outside of the Ryman, ready to take you to the evening showcase venues. You must be wearing a wristband or laminate badge in order to board.